Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network
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RESOURCES
Edited by: Stephanie Wallner, M.S., Mary Schroeder, M.S., R.D, Pat Kendall, Ph.D., R.D., Colorado State - Winter 2007
FDA-ALERT Materials
The FDA's Food Defense "ALERT" initiative is intended to raise the awareness of state and local government agency and industry representatives regarding food defense issues and preparedness. It is generic enough to apply to all aspects of the farm-to-table supply chain and is designed to spark thought and discussion with a variety of stakeholders.
ALERT identifies five key points that industry and businesses can use to decrease the risk of intentional food contamination at their facility. ALERT materials (wallet cards and brochures) are now available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Go to http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/alert.html.
be FoodSafe: The FSIS Magazine
USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service launched a new quarterly publication, be FoodSafe: The FSIS Magazine, which focuses on food safety behavior trends, emerging science and research, inspection issues (domestic and international), and education programs for food workers, consumers and caregivers. The Fall 2006 inaugural issue showcased the work of FSIS, 100 years of meat inspection, and introduces FSIS to those who may not be familiar with its mission and objectives to protect public health through food safety. To receive printed copies for $29 per year, one must subscribe through the U.S. Government (GPO) Bookstore or online at http://bookstore.gpo.gov/collections/befoodsafe.jsp.
Safe Handling of Raw Produce and Fresh-Squeezed Fruit & Vegetable Juices
The Center for Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) has a colorful, consumer friendly website full of information on fresh produce for staying healthy and staying safe. Included are buying tips, storage and preparation of fresh produce and fresh-squeezed products, as well as a Q & A section. Go to http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/prodsafe.html.
USDA's Food Safety Research Information Office (FSRIO) Database
Anyone browsing the net for user-friendly food safety information will be delighted to find that the U.S. National Agricultural Library's Food Safety Research Information Office (FSRIO) is a fantastic resource to add to your "favorites" list. Launched in 2001 and updated in 2006, the FSRIO program is a collaborative project with the USDA's Agricultural Research Service. Its purpose is to collect, organize and disseminate food safety research information utilizing a searchable index, frequently asked questions, a news and events section, and research projects database, showcasing research activities funded by U.S. Federal agencies and other organizations. FSRIO also provides free reference services and assists its users with searching the NAL Catalog (AGRICOLA) to find food safety research information. Go to http://fsrio.nal.usda.gov/index.php and check it out!
Be Food Safe™ Partner's Toolkit
The USDA and Partnership for Food Safety Education have teamed up to promote a consumer Be Food Safe Campaign. Research shows that Americans are aware of food safety, but they need more information to achieve and maintain safe food handling behaviors. The Be Food Safe campaign, which is grounded in social marketing, behavior change, and risk communications theories, is designed to provide educators with the tools to inform consumers about foodborne illness and raise the level of awareness of the dangers associated with improper handling and undercooking of food.
Based on the FightBac messages- Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill, the partner's toolkit contains a variety of tools for reaching consumers, including a Partner's Campaign Guide, DVD with downloadable files, print-ready color advertisements, a 24 x 36 inch color poster, radio scripts, letterhead for all campaign correspondence, a photo gallery of food safety images, and reproducible feature articles for media placement in local communities.
This is a wonderful resource for Extension agents and other professionals to help reduce risk of foodborne illness in our communities. Visit the FSIS website http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Be_FoodSafe/About_BFS/index.asp.
